Robotics - Glossary

a spacecraft that flies past a celestial body (in this case Mars) close enough to gather scientific data

Highlands

elevated or mountainous land

Lander

a spacecraft that is designed to land on a celestial body (in this case Mars)

Lowlands

low or level country

Olympus Mons

the highest of the giant shield volcanoes on Mars

Orbiter

a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body (in this case Mars) without landing on its surface

Robots

mechanical devices which perform automated tasks either according to direct human supervision, a pre-defined program, or a set of general guidelines using artificial intelligence techniques. These tasks either replace or enhance human work, such as in manufacturing, construction or manipulation of heavy or hazardous materials or working in harsh environments like that of space.

Rovers

vehicles for exploring the surface of an extraterrestrial body (as the moon or Mars)